Portable infant playyard

ABSTRACT

A portable infant playyard including cladded legs, a central hub on the lower frame, an integrated electronic device, upper frame hinge mechanisms, and bag hooks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a playyard for infants and children and, more particularly, to an improved playyard having improved features therein.

2. Description of the Related Art

A wide variety of playyards, which are also referred to as playpens and as playyards for children, have been designed, developed, and commercialized for many years. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,985,948. Playyards provide an enclosed safe environment in which a child can be placed to sleep or to play. Although conventional playyards are built in many shapes, they are generally rectangular in shape and include upper and lower frame assemblies supported by legs at each corner of the rectangle. Playyards can typically be folded for transport and storage. The present invention provides additional features to improve the usability of conventional playyards.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a playyard having (among other things): a structural member preferably made of tubular metal, steel, aluminum, etc. cladded in a non-structural, non-fabric material, preferably made of plastic or the like. The cladding preferably is made of material having some structural rigidity but which does not provide significant structural support to the playyard. More specifically, the cladding member may cover substantially all of the structural member visible from the exterior of the playyard. As stated above, the structural member may be made of tubular metal and the cladding member may be a molded plastic member. Additionally, the structural member may have an outwardly bowing curved shape and the cladding member may have a corresponding shape. The structural member may be a top rail, a bottom rail, or the like and is preferably a leg assembly which may be supported from a receiving surface by a wheel.

It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a central hub mechanism for the base of a playyard for children, including: a central hub; a diagonal member pivotably connected to the central hub; a retainer mounted within the central hub, the retainer being rotatable about a vertical axis between an engaged position and a disengaged position and the retainer comprising an extended portion; and an engaging member slidably extending from within the diagonal member and adapted to releasably couple with the extended portion of the retainer when the retainer is in the engaged position; wherein the releasable coupling of the engaging member with the extended portion of the retainer in the engaged position prevents pivoting of the diagonal member. The mechanism may further include a torsion spring, the torsion spring rotationally biasing the retainer in a direction causing the retainer to return to the engaged position. Additionally, the mechanism may further include a handle attached to the upper portion of the retainer. The mechanism may also include a compression spring contained within the diagonal member, the spring biasing the engaging member and causing the engaging member to extend from the diagonal member. The mechanism may optionally include a frame member, the frame member being rigidly connected to the central hub.

It is an aspect of the present invention to provide an improved playyard for children including: a playyard and an integrally incorporated electronic device. The electronic device may be, but is not limited to, a music box, an infant/child monitor, a night light, a mobile, or a toy. The electronic device may be integrally incorporated, for example, into a storage console which is connected to the frame of the playyard or into a corner connector which attaches an upper frame member to a leg member.

It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a hinge mechanism for a playyard for children, including: a main body; a first frame member and a second frame member pivotably connected to the main body, the first and second frame members each having an end portion extending into the main body; and a first pivot lock and a second pivot lock pivotably mounted within the main body, the first pivot lock having an engagement surface adapted to receive the end portion of the first frame member and the second pivot lock having an engagement surface adapted to receive the end portion of the second frame member; wherein the first and the second pivot locks rotate about a common axis.

More specifically, the hinge mechanism may further include a spring arranged to bias the pivot locks such that the engagement surfaces are pushed apart. The spring may be a torsion spring. The main body of the hinge mechanism may include two side plates connected by a intermediate curved portion. The hinge mechanism may include a handle that, when actuated by a user, acts upon the first and second pivot locks causing the pivot locks to rotate inward, thereby disengaging the first and second pivot locks from the end portions of their respective frame members.

Additionally, the first and second pivot locks may each include a first appendage and a second appendage, wherein the first appendage of each pivot lock includes the engagement surface and wherein the handle, when actuated, acts upon the second appendages of the first and second pivot locks causing their respective first appendages to rotate inward, thereby releasing their respective frame members.

It is an aspect of the present invention to provide an improved playyard for children, including: a playyard and an integrally molded hook on the playyard for suspending a bag. More specifically, the hook may optionally be located on a storage console portion of the playyard, on a member defining an upper extent of the playyard, or on a member defining a corner of the playyard. The integrally molded hook may have an outer surface matching the contour of the surrounding portion of the playyard. The integrally molded hook may include an inverted U-shaped slot, the slot defining a tab.

These and other aspects, along with advantages and features of the invention disclosed herein, will be made more apparent from the description, drawings, and claims that follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention, as well as the invention itself, will be more fully understood from the following description of preferred embodiments, when read together with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a playyard frame assembly;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of a cladded structural member;

FIG. 3 is a is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a cladded structural member;

FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view of an embodiment of a cladded structural member;

FIG. 5 is a detailed perspective view of an embodiment of a wheel on a leg member;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lower frame and central hub mechanism;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a lower frame and central hub mechanism;

FIG. 8 is a section view of an embodiment of a central hub mechanism;

FIG. 9 is a front view of an embodiment of an upper frame horizontal segment and a hinge mechanism;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an upper frame horizontal segment and a hinge mechanism;

FIG. 11 is a front view of an embodiment of a hinge mechanism;

FIG. 12 is a side view of an embodiment of a hinge mechanism;

FIG. 13 is a section view of an embodiment of a hinge mechanism;

FIG. 14 is a plan view of an embodiment of a storage console;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a storage console;

FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a corner block with integral electronics; and

FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a corner block with integral electronics.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The various components of the improved playyard are supported by a frame assembly 100. The frame assembly 100 includes an upper frame 102, four generally vertical leg members 108, and a lower frame 110. The upper frame 102 comprises four generally horizontal segments defining the approximately rectangular extent of the main portion of the playyard. The two longer, lengthwise horizontal segments are minimally arched downward and outward, while the two shorter, widthwise horizontal segments include pronounced upward and outward arches. Each generally horizontal segment comprises two horizontal members 104/106 connected by a hinge mechanism 200. The upper frame 102 is supported by the four generally vertical leg members 108 which define the corners of the main portion of the playyard.

The leg members 108 are connected to the lower frame 110 comprising a centered cross segment, comprising two cross members 112; two diagonal segments traversing the distance between opposite vertical legs 108, each segment comprising two diagonal members 114/116; and a center hub mechanism 250 connecting to the cross members 112 and the diagonal members 114/116.

FIGS. 2-4 show elevation views of an embodiment of a leg member 108. Structural support for the playyard is provided by a generally vertical tubular member 120. The lower end of the tubular member 120 is connected to a wheel 122 by a lower coupling 124 which also pivotably connects to the diagonal member 114/116. FIG. 5 shows the lower coupling 124 without the diagonal member 114/116 installed. The upper end of the tubular member 120 is rigidly connected to a corner block 128 which also pivotably connects to the horizontal members 104/106.

The leg member also preferably includes a cladding member 126 which partially covers the tubular member 120. In order to cover the structural tubular member 120, the cladding member 126 may be attached thereto in any of many ways known to those of ordinary skill in the art. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, one way the cladding member 126 may be attached is by having a recessed portion (not shown) of the top of the cladding member 126 be shaped to be received under a lip 125 of the corner block 128 and a bottom of the cladding member 126 including an integrally molded clip 127 shaped to receive and clip onto a bottom portion of the tubular member 120. Thus, using this method, the cladding member 126 may be removably installed over the tubular member 120 by first sliding the recessed portion (not shown) of the cladding member under the lip 125 of the corner block 128 and then snapping clip 127 onto the lower portion of the tubular member 120. Other non-limiting examples of methods for attaching the cladding member 126 to the tubular member 128 include the use of multiple clips, either integrally or non-integrally attached to the cladding member 126, to attach to the cladding member 126 to the tubular member 120. Furthermore, other attachment mechanisms besides clips, such as straps, zip-ties, snaps, etc. may be used within the scope of the invention as well as well. Additionally, the cladding member 126 could be integrally formed with the corner block 128 and the lower coupling 124 if desired or the clips could be located on the structural member 120 as opposed to the cladding member 126.

In one embodiment, the cladding member 126 extends around approximately 270 degrees of the tubular member 120 for substantially all of its length. In addition, the cladding member 126 extends to cover a majority of the wheel 122.

In the preferred embodiment, two of the four leg members 108 include wheels 122 attached to the lower coupling 124 as depicted in FIGS. 2-5. The remaining two leg members 108 include plastic feet in place of the wheels 122.

Turning to FIG. 6, one embodiment of the lower frame includes a center hub mechanism 250 which serves as a connector for the diagonal members 114/116 and the cross members 112. The cross members 112 and diagonal members 116 are rigidly fixed to the center hub mechanism 250. The other diagonal members 114 are pivotably connected to the center hub mechanism 250.

FIG. 7 shows an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the lower frame 110 and the center hub mechanism 250. A retainer 252 within the central hub 251 rigidly holds the pivotably connected members 114 until the retainer 252 is actuated to allow the pivotably connected members 114 to pivot. The retainer 252 is actuated by turning a handle 254 located on the top of the cover plate 258. The handle 254 is attached to connector 256 which is attached to retainer 252. The retainer 252 has extended portions 262 which couple with the engaging members 270 extending from the ends of the pivotably connected diagonal members 114. As the handle 254 is turned clockwise into the disengaged position, the extended portions 262 disengage from the engaging members 270, thereby allowing the pivotably connected diagonal members 114 to pivot. When the user releases the handle 254, a torsion spring 260 returns the retainer 252 to its fully counter-clockwise initial position, which is the engaged position.

The engaging members 270 extending from the ends of the pivotably connected diagonal members 114 are held in the extended position by compression springs 272 contained within the pivotably mounted diagonal members 114. As a user pivots the pivotably mounted diagonal members 114 into their horizontal positions, the engaging members 270 are depressed into the pivotably mounted diagonal members 114 as they pass the extended portions 262 of the retainer. Once clear of the extended portions 262 of the retainer 252, the engaging members 270 return to their fully extended positions due to the force of the compression springs 272.

FIG. 8 is a section view of the center hub mechanism 250 with the retainer 252 in the engaged position. The coupling of the engaging members 270 with the extended portions 262 of the retainer 252 is visible.

As shown in FIGS. 9-13, one embodiment of the present invention includes an upper frame hinge mechanism 200 comprising a main body 202, two horizontal members 104/106, two coaxially-located rotating pivot locks 204/206, a handle 208, and a torsion spring 210.

The main body 202 is preferably constructed of metal and has two parallel side plates 201 connected by an intermediate curved portion 203. The side plates 201 provide support for the other components of the hinge mechanism 200 including the pin 217. Additionally, side plates 201 provide support for pins 215 which pivotably attach the horizontal members 104/106 to the hinge mechanism 200. Cover 209 is attached to the outer portions of main body 202

The pivot locks 204/206 are preferably composed of molded plastic. Each pivot lock 204/206 has two appendages 212/214 connected together to form an approximate right angle similar to an L-shape. When the hinge mechanism is assembled, pivot axes 216 of the pivot locks are coaxially located such that a single pin 217 runs through both pivot locks. The pivot locks 204/206 face outward in opposite directions such that one pivot lock's 204 lower appendage 212 extends to the left and the other pivot lock's 206 lower appendage 212 extends to the right when viewed from the front. To allow the pivot locks 204/206 to be located coaxially while facilitating linear alignment of the upper frame horizontal members 104/106, the pivot locks 204/206 are adapted to rotate one within the other. As such, one pivot lock 204 includes a central slot 218 within which the other pivot lock 206 rotates.

The upper appendage 214 of each pivot lock 204/206 includes a receiving surface 220 which is shaped to accommodate the end of a horizontal member 104/106 of the upper frame 102. Preferably, the receiving surface 220 is ledge which has a surface curvature complementary to that of the ends of the horizontal members 104/106.

The upper appendages 214 of the pivot locks 204/206 are biased outwardly by a torsion spring 210. The pin 217 about which the pivot locks 204/206 rotate also extends through the coil portion of the torsion spring 210, holding the torsion spring 210 in place. It is within the scope of the invention to utilize alternative means for biasing apart the upper appendages of the pivot locks 204/206, including compression springs and pieces of spring steel.

A handle 208 is located beneath the lower appendages 212 of the pivot locks 204/206. When the handle 208 is actuated by being pushed upwards, it pushes on the bottom of each pivot lock's 204/206 lower appendage 212 and forces each pivot lock 204/206 to rotate inward about the pin 217, thereby overcoming the force of the torsion spring 210 and releasing the end portions of the horizontal members 104/106 from the receiving surfaces 220 of the pivot locks 204/206. Once released from the receiving surfaces 220 of the pivot locks 204/206, the horizontal members 104/106 rotate freely about their respective pins 215. This permits a user to collapse the playyard for easier transportation and/or storage.

To set up the playyard for normal use, the user pivots the horizontal members 104/106 into their approximately horizontal positions. As the horizontal members 104/106 are pivoted into their approximately horizontal positions, the ends of the horizontal members 104/106 press against the angled outer surfaces 221 of the upper appendages 214 of the pivot locks 204/206. This causes the pivot locks 204/206 rotate inward against the force of the torsion spring 210. Once the horizontal members 104/106 are pivoted to the extent that their ends have reached the receiving surfaces 220 of the pivot locks 204/206, the pivot locks 204/206 rotate outward due to the force of the torsion spring 210 and engage the ends of the horizontal members 104/106. Once the pivot locks 204/206 have engaged the horizontal members 104/106 on the receiving surfaces 220, the hinge mechanism 200 is locked and the horizontal members 104/106 are fixed in their horizontal positions.

As shown in FIGS. 14-15, one embodiment of the storage console 450 includes an electronic music box 470. The electronic music box 470 is incorporated integrally into the storage console 450. As used herein, the term “integral” means formed as a unit with another part. In other words, the incorporated device is a part of a larger unified assembly as opposed to being merely attached to, suspended from, detachably attached to, placed upon, etc. another component.

In another embodiment, an electronic music box is included in an upper frame corner connector 128 shown in FIGS. 16-17. FIG. 16 shows the portion of the corner connector that is located on the outside of the upper frame and FIG. 17 shows the portion of the corner connector that is located on the inside of the upper frame. Controls 484 are located on the outside portion and the speaker 486 is located on the inside portion. It is within the scope of the invention to integrally incorporate into a playyard other electronic devices, such as, but not limited to, monitors, music boxes, night lights, toys, or mobiles.

As shown in FIGS. 14-15, one embodiment of the storage console 450 includes two bag hooks 452. The hooks are defined by inverted U-shaped cutouts 454 in the molded plastic surface of the storage console 450. The bag hooks 452 are used by placing the handle of a handled bag over the hook 452 formed by the U-shaped cutout 454. The bag hooks 452 are molded such that the hooks 452 have the same surface contour as the storage console 450.

Following from the above description and invention summaries it should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that, while the systems and processes herein described constitute exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it is understood that the invention is not limited to these precise systems and processes and that changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. Additionally, it is to be understood that the invention is defined by the claims and it is not intended that any limitations or elements describing the exemplary embodiments set forth herein are to be incorporated into the meanings of the claims unless such limitations or elements are explicitly listed in the claims. Likewise, it is to be understood that it is not necessary to meet any or all of the identified advantages or objects of the invention disclosed herein in order to fall within the scope of any claim, as the invention is defined by the claims and because inherent and/or unforeseen advantages of the present invention may exist even though they may not have been explicitly discussed herein. 

1. A juvenile playyard comprising: a structural member; and a cladding member at least partially covering the structural member.
 2. The juvenile playyard of claim 1, wherein the cladding member covers substantially all of the structural member visible from the exterior of the playyard.
 3. The juvenile playyard of claim 1, wherein the structural member comprises a tubular metal member and the cladding member comprises a molded plastic member.
 4. The juvenile playyard of claim 3, wherein the cladding member is removably attached to the structural member.
 5. The juvenile playyard of claim 3 wherein the cladding member is attached to the structural member by at least one clip integrally molded into the cladding member.
 6. A central hub mechanism for the base of a playyard for children, comprising: a central hub; a diagonal member pivotably connected to the central hub; a retainer mounted within the central hub, the retainer being rotatable about a vertical axis between an engaged position and a disengaged position and the retainer comprising an extended portion; and an engaging member slidably extending from within the diagonal member and adapted to releasably couple with the extended portion of the retainer when the retainer is in the engaged position; wherein the releasable coupling of the engaging member with the extended portion of the retainer in the engaged position prevents pivoting of the diagonal member.
 7. The mechanism of claim 6, further comprising a torsion spring, the torsion spring rotationally biasing the retainer in a direction causing the retainer to return to the engaged position.
 8. The mechanism of claim 7, further comprising a handle attached to the upper portion of the retainer.
 9. The mechanism of claim 6, further comprising a compression spring contained within the diagonal member, the spring biasing the engaging member and causing the engaging member to extend from the diagonal member.
 10. The mechanism of claim 6, further comprising a frame member, the frame member being rigidly connected to the central hub.
 11. An improved playyard for children comprising: a playyard; and an integrally incorporated electronic device.
 12. The playyard of claim 11, wherein the electronic device comprises a music box.
 13. The playyard of claim 11, wherein the electronic device comprises an infant/child monitor.
 14. The playyard of claim 11, wherein the electronic device comprises a night light.
 15. The playyard of claim 11, wherein the electronic device comprises a mobile.
 16. The playyard of claim 11, wherein the electronic device comprises a toy.
 17. The playyard of claim 11, wherein the electronic device is integrally incorporated into a storage console, the storage console connecting to a frame of the playyard.
 18. The playyard of claim 11, wherein the electronic device is integrally incorporated into a corner connector, the corner connector attaching to an upper frame member and to a leg member.
 19. A hinge mechanism for a playyard for children, comprising: a main body; a first frame member and a second frame member pivotably connected to the main body, the first and second frame members each having an end portion extending into the main body; and a first pivot lock and a second pivot lock pivotably mounted within the main body, the first pivot lock having an engagement surface adapted to receive the end portion of the first frame member and the second pivot lock having an engagement surface adapted to receive the end portion of the second frame member; wherein the first and the second pivot locks rotate about a common axis.
 20. The hinge mechanism of claim 19, further comprising a spring arranged to bias the pivot locks such that the engagement surfaces are pushed apart.
 21. The hinge mechanism of claim 20, wherein the spring is a torsion spring.
 22. The hinge mechanism of claim 19, wherein the main body comprises two side plates connected by a intermediate curved portion.
 23. The hinge mechanism of claim 19, further comprising a handle, the handle, when actuated by a user, acting upon the first and second pivot locks causing the pivot locks to rotate inward, thereby disengaging the first and second pivot locks from the end portions of their respective frame members.
 24. The hinge mechanism of claim 23, wherein the first and second pivot locks each include a first appendage and a second appendage, wherein the first appendage of each pivot lock includes the engagement surface and wherein the handle, when actuated, acts upon the second appendages of the first and second pivot locks causing their respective first appendages to rotate inward, thereby releasing their respective frame members.
 25. An improved playyard for children, comprising: a playyard; and an integrally molded hook on the playyard for suspending a bag.
 26. The playyard of claim 25, wherein the integrally molded hook is located on a storage console portion of the playyard.
 27. The playyard of claim 25, wherein the integrally molded hook is located on a member defining an upper extent of the playyard.
 28. The playyard of claim 25, wherein the integrally molded hook is located on a member defining a corner of the playyard.
 29. The playyard of claim 25, wherein the integrally molded hook has an outer surface matching the contour of the surrounding portion of the playyard.
 30. The playyard of claim 29, wherein the integrally molded hook comprises an inverted U-shaped slot, the slot defining a tab.
 31. The playyard of claim 26, wherein the integrally molded hook comprises an inverted U-shaped slot, the slot defining a tab having an outer surface, the outer surface of the tab matching the contour of the surrounding portion of the playyard. 